The Public Art Process – ARTS FORT WORTH

Overview

The Public Art Process describes Fort Worth's framework for establishing public art projects in partnership with communities. A Project Core Team composed of community members and stakeholders provides input during planning, artist selection, and design phases, helping communicate updates and participate in dedication events and ongoing stewardship.

Key phases

• Project Initiation: Public art staff identify location opportunities with City Departments, Community Engagement Office, and Council Members, then assemble a Project Core Team to discuss approaches and aspirations.
• Artist Selection: An Artist Selection Panel composed of the project consultant, arts professionals, Project Core Team members, an Art Commissioner, and the Council Member (if participating) selects three finalists and one alternate, then interviews or reviews proposals.
• Preliminary Design: The selected artist meets with the Project Core Team, City staff, and project consultant to develop initial concept, subject to Art Commission and Project Core Team review.
• Final Design: The artist prepares complete information on scale, location, materials, installation method, and budget for joint Art Commission and Project Core Team review, with invited stakeholders able to comment.
• Fabrication, Installation & Dedication: After Art Commission approval and City Council authorization of the commission contract, the artist works with staff on timeline for fabrication and installation, with dedication and educational programming planned for completion.